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Home > Phrases & Sayings > Why is 'won't' a shortened version of 'will not'?

Why is 'won't' a shortened version of 'will not'?

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Piper-AK | 23:15 Sun 02nd Oct 2005 | Phrases & Sayings
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Should it not be 'willn't' if we're going to shorten it as 'won't' is short for 'wo not'?

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Avatar Image kempie
Comes from contractions of woll not or wonnot, both old forms of will not. Per OED.
23:34 Sun 02nd Oct 2005
Avatar Image Piper-AK
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Oh right - cheers.  Wasn't sure if it was that the last three letters were just 'not' jumbled up.
00:46 Mon 03rd Oct 2005
Avatar Image THECORBYLOON
I don't say "I won't," I say "I'll not" 
01:15 Mon 03rd Oct 2005

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